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Tenerife Full-Island Tour: Teide, Icod, Garachico & Masca - Puerto de la Cruz

Tenerife Full-Island Tour: Teide, Icod, Garachico & Masca

Puerto de la Cruzmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

7–8 hours

Fitness Level

Light to moderate fitness: ability to handle short uphill walks and uneven ground; mostly bus-based with several 20–40 minute stops.

Overview

In one long, scenic loop this popular Tenerife tour moves from the lava-swept highlands of Teide to the ancient dragon tree of Icod, the volcanic pools of Garachico and the cliff-hugged village of Masca—an efficient, dramatic primer on the island’s geology and culture.

Tenerife Full-Island Tour: Teide, Icod, Garachico & Masca

Other
Bus Tour
Wildlife

The bus peels away from the coast and the island changes like pages in a field guide: humid laurel woods give way to pine, then to bare pumice and black lava where the world feels thinner and the ocean seems to pull farther away.

Adventure Photos

Tenerife Full-Island Tour: Teide, Icod, Garachico & Masca photo 1

Adventure Tips

Layer for temperature swings

Bring a windproof midlayer and a light insulating layer—temperatures drop dramatically between the coast and Teide’s higher altitudes.

Carry 1–2 liters of water

There are short walks at viewpoints with no services—stay hydrated to manage altitude and sun exposure.

Sturdy shoes for volcanic terrain

Wear shoes with good grip for loose pumice, volcanic rock and uneven lookout points.

Time your photos

Aim for early morning at Teide viewpoints or late afternoon at Los Gigantes for the best light and fewer buses.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Canary lizards
  • Birds of prey and corvids such as kestrels and choughs

History

Tenerife’s landscape and towns reflect volcanic events and centuries of human settlement, from the indigenous Guanche people to colonial maritime trade that shaped ports like Garachico.

Conservation

High-altitude ecosystems are fragile—stay on marked paths, avoid collecting plants or rocks, and limit water use to local guidelines.

Adventure Hotspots in Puerto de la Cruz

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered clothing (windproof jacket + fleece)

Essential

Keeps you comfortable through rapid temperature and wind changes from coast to highland.

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

Required for walking on loose volcanic scree and irregular viewpoints.

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Essential

High-altitude sun is stronger—protect skin and eyes even on cool days.

summer specific

Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)

Essential

Necessary for hydration during stops where drinks may not be readily available.